It’s been an unprecedented and unwelcome year for many of us. But, amongst all the uncertainty we’ve had to face, we hope you have found pockets of magic and happiness in 2020.
If there’s a silver lining from 2020, it’s been the slowing down of life and cherishing what really matters. So, if you’re getting ready to celebrate Christmas, and I know for many it will be looking very different, we hope you manage to spend some precious time with your loved ones. Albeit distanced or bundled up in the great outdoors.
We’re very much looking forward to 2021 and the hope it brings. I for one can’t wait for a new year, for new beginnings, new adventures and an abundance of love and celebrations.
We thought we’d finish the year with a beautiful wintry editorial at Brickhouse Vineyard in Devon, a magical place where many couples have celebrated their love this year.
Over to Phoebe of Elisabeth Shell Events…
Phoebe says…
Brickhouse Vineyard is such a beautiful venue, situated in the glorious rolling Devon countryside, and I fell in love with the place as soon as I saw it! The renovated 18th century Round House has such a gorgeous feeling of light and space – with full length windows looking out over a wild-flower meadow walkway and the stunning vines. For the shoot I really wanted to capture an airiness which is infused with the warmth and hospitality of the venue, whilst portraying a down to earth, happy bride, and Brickhouse was the perfect backdrop to create a relaxed and intimate scene.
I was drawn to the idea of trying to represent an abstract concept in a photoshoot, and for this I chose honesty. Drawing on the idea of honesty and keeping things transparent and see through, I worked with a natural silver haired bride, and used lots of hints of reflective surfaces and accents of clear acrylic, vintage crystal coupes and contemporary styling. I knew I wanted to feature shimmery lunaria and pearlescent capiz shells as key elements to tie into the concept, and a muted colour palette with lots of fresh white linen and cotton.
It was a beautiful but freezing day in January, and I think that many winter shoots use lots of heavy textures and bold colour palettes to liven up grey days. Steering clear of this, and utilising Brickhouse Vineyards’s glorious light-filled Round House, I kept everything in a frosted, bleached, dreamy vibe. Metallic styling accents catch the light throughout the shoot. Even though this is a winter shoot it appeals to all seasons!
I wanted to keep our bride looking super relaxed and romantic, but with a modern, luxe aesthetic. Interesting, loose hair by Bridal Hair by Roseanne and subtle smouldering eyes by Laura le Page enhanced the ethereal quality of the shoot.
The gowns were stunning and provided by The Ivory Secret boutique; our bride dazzled in enchanting Catherine Deane lace and chiffon, flowing Willowby by Watters tulle and fashion forward separates by Marylise.
Handcrafted Devon jewellery by Molten Wedding Ring and Erin Cox shimmered in the light and dainty headpieces by The Lucky Sixpence crowned the look.
Along my styling travels I seem to have collected a vast array of bits and bobs, and most of the decor used is my (stylist’s) own. I gathered the vintage silver cutlery and delicate crystal coupes (some from the 1930’s!) from Keeping It Vintage, who have a wonderful collection of styling items, and I always find a lush selection of interesting tablescape setting bits from candles and linens to place settings etc on Etsy, Zara Home and H&M Home.
Amanda Winsor created stunning dried flower arrangements based around luminescent lunaria. The natural textures of the bouquet and table arrangement worked beautifully well with the thatch of the Round House, whilst the dried cotton stems and seed pods were striking against the white and stonewashed linen.
So many people love the innocence of this shoot, and it is so translatable into any season of the year. The light and sparkling qualities of the styling teamed with the metallic accents and superb creative work of local wedding suppliers, keep winter looking fresh and modern, and summer feeling bright and breezy. Keeping a neutral palette is super chic and that frosted, bleached vibe gracefully elevates the elegance of a wedding.
Venue Brickhouse Vineyard
Photography Tara Statton Photography
Styling, Concept + Coordination Elizabeth Shell Events
Florist Winsor Flower Studio
Makeup Laura le Page
Bridal Boutique The Ivory Secret
Bridal Designers Willowby, Catherine Deane and Marylise
Hair Accessories The Lucky Sixpence
Jewellery + Engagement Ring Erin Cox
Wedding Ring Molten Wedding Ring Co.
Cake Bake Away
Canapés Eat Nice
Wine Glasses, Coupes + Cake Stand Keeping It Vintage
Props + Decor Elizabeth Shell Events
With thanks to Model CuckooLander
Based on a weekday wedding in November. Includes drink.